An experimental electric bandage shows potential in combating bacterial infections without the use of drugs. Researchers have developed a skin patch that applies imperceptible low-level electric current, resulting in a nearly tenfold reduction in Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium found on human skin. The findings were published on October 24 in the journal Device.
Bozhi Tian, a professor of chemistry at the University of Chicago and co-senior researcher, stated, "This opens up exciting possibilities for drug-free treatments, especially for skin infections and wound healing, where antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious challenge."
The Science Behind the Electric Patch
The study explored the use of electricity to control bacteria, addressing the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections, which contributed to nearly 1.3 million deaths worldwide in 2019. The researchers focused on S. epidermidis due to its potential to cause severe infections if it enters the body through cuts or medical procedures. Notably, three strains of S. epidermidis have emerged with resistance to all classes of antibiotics.
Gürol Süel, a professor of molecular biology at the University of California, San Diego, and co-senior study author, explained, "Because Staphylococcus is part of the microbial ecosystem that naturally exists on our skin, we prefer not to eradicate it, since their complete absence on our skin could cause other problems."
How the BLAST Patch Works
The researchers discovered that small electric currents could combat S. epidermidis effectively, but only under acidic conditions. Healthy human skin is mildly acidic, while chronic wounds tend to be neutral to basic. A weak electric current of 1.5 volts, significantly below the human perception threshold of 15 volts, inhibited 99% of bacteria under ideal acidic conditions. However, the electricity had no effect at a neutral pH.
Based on these findings, the team designed a skin patch called Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy, or BLAST. The patch includes electrodes to deliver the current and a water-based gel to maintain an acidic environment.
Promising Results
After an 18-hour treatment cycle, the BLAST patch reduced S. epidermidis levels by nearly tenfold on pork skin compared to untreated samples. Similar results were observed when the patch was applied to a bacteria-contaminated catheter.
Saehyun Kim, a graduate student at the University of Chicago and lead researcher, noted, "Bacteria’s response to electricity isn’t well explored, partially because we don’t know the specific conditions under which bacteria will be excited. Discovering this selective excitability will help us discover how to control other bacteria species by looking at different conditions."
While further research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of the patch, the findings suggest that an electric bandage could offer a drug-free solution for controlling infections.
